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Wayne State University and partners seek public input on bike share system for Detroit

January 22, 2013

Wayne State University, in partnership with several Detroit businesses, organizations and institutions, is conducting a feasibility study to explore establishing a public bike sharing system in greater downtown Detroit.

Bike sharing consists of a network of bicycles distributed around an area that allow short, one-way trips from one location to another. Riders typically purchase a daily, weekly, yearly or special event membership, then check out a bike, ride to their destination, and return the bike to any other kiosk.

While the concept of bike sharing has been around since the mid-1960s, recent advances in technology have increased the appeal of bike sharing as a mode of urban transportation. Nearly 30 U.S. cities are either in the process of implementing a bike sharing system or currently have one in operation.

The Detroit study team has hired the team of Alta Planning + Design and livingLAB Detroit to explore the feasibility of establishing bike sharing in Detroit and help identify possible operational and funding models.

As part of the Detroit feasibility study, Wayne State University and its partners are seeking public input regarding where residents, employees, students and visitors would like to see bike sharing.

People are encouraged to visit www.detroitbicycleshare.com, where they can make station location recommendations using an interactive map of the study area. The public may also provide feedback by visiting the following locations, where maps, comment cards and more information about bike sharing are located.

• D:Hive Welcome Center (1253 Woodward)

• Detroit Public Library - Main Branch lobby (5201 Woodward)

• Detroit Public Library – Elmwood Branch (550 Chene)

• Detroit Public Library – Bowen Branch (3648 W. Vernor)

Neighborhoods included in the study are: Corktown, Downtown, Eastern Market, Lafayette Park, Mexicantown, Midtown, New Center, North End and Woodbridge. The greater downtown area was selected because it offers a density and mixture of land uses that lend themselves to bike sharing. However, future expansion could extend the system into other parts of the city or throughout the region.